Rep. Bauer graduated from Western Michigan University with a major in history and minors in political science and secondary education. Bauer was a high school and adult education government teacher and she served as the Director of Volunteer Services at Ingham Regional Medical Center for 21 years. Bauer is married to Doug Langham, the former Administrator of Vocational Rehabilitation in the Bureau of Workers Compensation in Michigan, and they live on Lansing's Westside.

Previous offices held

In 1995, Bauer was elected as a member at-large to the Lansing City Council, and re-elected in 1999, and 2003, where she served until 2006, when she resigned to run for the Michigan State House of Representatives. Bauer defeated first runner-up Jerry Hollister, the son of former Lansing Mayor David Hollister by nearly six percentage points in the Democratic Primary, garnering 32.83% of the vote. Bauer coasted to victory in the general election by receiving 74% of the vote defeating Republican businessman Harilaos I. Sorovigas.

Political campaign history

Voting record

Key votes of 2009-2010

Click below to see how this representative voted.

Super Speedway, Lawmakers voting on whether TO EXTEND A SPECIAL TAX PERK for a super speedway.

Sneak Attack, Lawmakers voting on whether to allow public schools to EXPAND THE USE OF SINKING FUND property tax spending.

Grapes of Wrath, Lawmakers voting on whether TO BAN home shipment of beer and wine to Michigan consumers.

Subsidize Manufacture of Electric Cars, Lawmakers voting on whether to authorize a refundable Michigan Business Tax credit for makers of plug-in traction battery packs used in electric cars.

Authorize Special Tax Breaks for Ethanol Gas Stations, Lawmakers voting on whether to authorize a non-refundable Michigan Business Tax credit equal to 30 percent of the costs incurred by a gas station to convert existing pumps and tanks, or acquire new ones that deliver E85 ethanol or biodiesel fuel.